Eva Longoria Staying Fit On the Go

How Eva Longoria Gets in Workouts While She's Traveling

Plus, three tips for running in foreign locations

How Eva Longoria Gets in Workouts While She's TravelingPlus, three tips for running in foreign locations

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There are a couple of things in life that just go together, like peanut butter and jelly and Netflix and rainy days. And now, according to Eva Longoria, running and traveling.

The star recently told E! that she went on an epic trip to Australia, Budapest, and Paris and turned each locale into her own personal track:

"I'm a runner," she said. "I don't need a gym. I'll go run anywhere. In Australia, I went running around the botanical gardens, and when I got to Paris, I ran around the Eiffel tower. And when I was in Budapest, I ran around their little medieval section passing the castle."

Being able to create her own pop-up gym isn't the only reason the star likes pounding the pavement abroad—she also digs it because it's a cool way to explore her new surroundings. "It's the best thing to do while traveling because you get to go sight-seeing," she said. "I was really standing under the Eiffel tower at seven in the morning going, 'This is so cool!'"

We agree. So much so, in fact, that we checked in with Carl Leivers, a running coach in Atlanta, to find out how you can enhance your experience the next time you're running while traveling.

Make Sure You Choose a Safe Route
This is clutch! Lots of hotels and hostels have recommended running routes at the front desk, so talk to the concierge or hostel owner to see what they recommend before you head out, says Leivers. Another option: Google "running clubs" in your destination, and reach out to them before you go to ask for their suggestions for safe and fun running routes. The important part is that you do your research before you hit the road so you don't end up in a shady area.

Bring Your Phone So You Can Take Pictures Along the Way
As Eva says, one of the best parts about running when you're on vacation is appreciating the sites you see—so make sure you're properly equipped to document them, too! One suggestion: Rather than wearing your iPhone on your arm, hold it in your hand or get an iPhone belt so you can tuck it under your shirt. "Sometimes locals will try to steal your iPhone off your arm, so it's better to keep it hidden just to be extra safe," cautions Leivers.

Skip The Headphones
Face it: You don't know the roads or the area well enough to afford the luxury of being able to tune out your environment. (And why would you want to anyway?) Skip the music on travel runs, and use the time instead to listen to the local sounds: accents, music, or if you're on the beach, the rhythm of the waves hitting the shore.